System and method for tailored video-on-demand catalogs

ABSTRACT

A video-on-demand server, having a plurality of audiovisual assets stored in association therewith, and an application server module, are interconnected with a first group of consumer premises equipment associated with a first group of subscribers and a second group of consumer premises equipment associated with a second group of subscribers, different than the first group of subscribers, via a video content network. The application server module, the first group of consumer premises equipment, and the second group of consumer premises equipment are cooperatively configured to prepare a first video-on-demand catalog comprising a first group of the audiovisual assets and a second video-on-demand catalog comprising a second group of the audiovisual assets, different than the first group of the audiovisual assets. The application server module, the first group of consumer premises equipment, and the second group of consumer premises equipment are further cooperatively configured to make the first video-on-demand catalog available to the first group of subscribers and to make the second video-on-demand catalog available to the second group of subscribers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to communications systems andmethods, and, more particularly, to video content networks and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the advent of digital communications technology, many TV programstreams are transmitted in digital formats. For example, DigitalSatellite System (DSS), Digital Broadcast Services (DBS), and AdvancedTelevision Standards Committee (ATSC) program streams are digitallyformatted pursuant to the well known Moving Pictures Experts Group 2(MPEG-2) standard. The MPEG-2 standard specifies, among other things,the methodologies for video and audio data compression allowing formultiple programs, with different video and audio feeds, to bemultiplexed in a transport stream traversing a single transmissionchannel. A digital TV receiver may be used to decode an MPEG-2 encodedtransport stream, and extract the desired program therefrom.

The compressed video and audio data are typically carried by continuouselementary streams, respectively, which are broken into access units orpackets, resulting in packetized elementary streams (PESs). Thesepackets are identified by headers that contain time stamps forsynchronizing, and are used to form MPEG-2 transport streams. Fordigital broadcasting, multiple programs and their associated PESs aremultiplexed into a single transport stream. A transport stream has PESpackets further subdivided into short fixed-size data packets, in whichmultiple programs encoded with different clocks can be carried. Atransport stream not only includes a multiplex of audio and video PESs,but also other data such as MPEG-2 program specific information(sometimes referred to as metadata) describing the transport stream. TheMPEG-2 metadata may include a program associated table (PAT) that listsevery program in the transport stream. Each entry in the PAT points toan individual program map table (PMT) that lists the elementary streamsmaking up each program. Some programs are open, but some programs may besubject to conditional access (encryption), and this information (i.e.,whether open or subject to conditional access) is also carried in theMPEG-2 transport stream, typically as metadata.

The aforementioned fixed-size data packets in a transport stream eachcarry a packet identifier (PID) code. Packets in the same elementarystreams all have the same PID, so that a decoder can select theelementary stream(s) it needs and reject the remainder.Packet-continuity counters may be implemented to ensure that everypacket that is needed to decode a stream is received.

Video on demand (VOD) systems allow users to select and watch videocontent over a network. Some VOD systems “stream” content for real-timeviewing. Others “download” the content to a set-top box before viewingstarts. Use of digital video recorders (DVRs), also known as personalvideo recorders (PVRs), such as the TiVo® device (registered mark ofTiVo Brands LLC, Alviso, Calif.) and the R Replay TV® device (registeredmark of Digital Networks North America Inc., Pine Brook, N.J.), isubiquitous. Such devices may provide some benefits to TV viewers. Forexample, a prior art DVR allows a user to record his or her favorite TVprograms for later review, and to exercise a season-pass-like optionwherein every episode of his or her favorite program is recorded forsome period. Such devices may automatically record programs for the userbased on his or her viewing habits and preferences. The presentation ofthe recorded programming content can be manipulated by exercisingrewind, pause, skip and/or fast-forward functions (hereinafter referredto as “trick mode” or “trick play” functions) furnished by the DVR.

A “network PVR (NPVR)” (also referred to as an NDVR (Network DigitalVideo Recorder)) service allows the user to perform the analogous DVRfunctions through use of a network, rather than via a local DVR at theuser premises. Unlike a DVR device, the NPVR service allows a user to“reserve” past and future programs for his or her review, even if suchreserved programs were not identified by the user before theirbroadcast. Note that an NDVR can be distinguished from a DVR in that thelatter, storage of programs and the like is local to the DVR, while inthe former (NDVR) case, such storage is at the server or head end level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Principles of the present invention provide techniques for tailoredvideo-on-demand catalogs. In one aspect, an exemplary video contentsystem includes a video-on-demand server having a plurality ofaudiovisual assets stored in association therewith; an applicationserver module; a first group of consumer premises equipment associatedwith a first group of subscribers; and a second group of consumerpremises equipment associated with a second group of subscribers,different than the first group of subscribers. A video content networkinterconnects the video-on-demand server and the application servermodule to the first and second groups of consumer premises equipment.One or more of the application server module, the first group ofconsumer premises equipment, and/or the second group of consumerpremises equipment are configured to prepare a first video-on-demandcatalog comprising a first group of the audiovisual assets, and preparea second video-on-demand catalog comprising a second group of theaudiovisual assets. The second group of the audiovisual assets isdifferent than the first group of the audiovisual assets. One or more ofthe application server module, the first group of consumer premisesequipment, and/or the second group of consumer premises equipment arefurther configured to make the first video-on-demand catalog availableto the first group of subscribers; and make the second video-on-demandcatalog available to the second group of subscribers.

As used herein, “facilitating” an action includes performing the action,making the action easier, helping to carry the action out, or causingthe action to be performed. Thus, by way of example and not limitation,instructions executing on one processor might facilitate an actioncarried out by instructions executing on a remote processor, by sendingappropriate data or commands to cause or aid the action to be performed.

In another aspect, an exemplary method (which can becomputer-implemented) includes the steps of storing a plurality ofaudiovisual assets in association with a video on demand server;preparing a first video-on-demand catalog comprising a first groupselected from the audiovisual assets; and preparing a secondvideo-on-demand catalog including a second group selected from theaudiovisual assets, the second group being different than the firstgroup. Additional steps include making the first video-on-demand catalogavailable to a first group of subscribers; and making the secondvideo-on-demand catalog available to a second group of subscribers,different than the first group of subscribers.

An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus or system, according to stillanother aspect of the invention, can include a memory and at least oneprocessor coupled to the memory. The processor can be operative tofacilitate performance of one or more of the method steps describedherein. Non-limiting examples of processors are those in one or moreservers or modules described herein, consumer premises equipment such asa digital set-top terminal, and the like. In a further aspect, anapparatus or system can include means for performing the various methodsteps. The means can include one or more hardware modules, one or moresoftware modules, or a mixture of one or more software modules and oneor more hardware modules.

One or more method steps of the present invention can be implemented inthe form of an article of manufacture including a machine readablemedium that contains one or more programs which when executed implementsuch step(s).

Techniques of the present invention can provide substantial beneficialtechnical effects. For example, one or more embodiments provide aregionalized VOD service, which reduces memory and/or bandwidthrequirements, inasmuch as a complete VOD catalog need not be sent toeach and every customer. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, lesscache memory would be needed in the set-top box, and less bandwidthwould be needed to send the VOD catalog.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary hybridfiber-coaxial (HFC) network configuration useful with one or moreembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1 a is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary HFCcable network head-end configuration useful with the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary localservice node configuration useful with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of exemplary method steps, according to an aspectof the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary graphical user interface, according to anotheraspect of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer system useful in connection withone or more aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical content-based network configuration withwhich techniques of the present invention may be used. The variouscomponents of the network 100 include (i) one or more data andapplication origination points 102; (ii) one or more content sources103, (iii) one or more application distribution servers 104; (iv) one ormore video-on-demand (VOD) servers 105, and (v) consumer or customer'spremises equipment (CPE) 106. The distribution server(s) 104, VODservers 105 and CPE(s) 106 are connected via a bearer (e.g., hybridfiber cable (HFC)) network 101. Network 100 can also include carouselserver 107. A simple architecture is shown in FIG. 1 for illustrativebrevity, although it will be recognized that comparable architectureswith multiple origination points, servers, and/or CPE devices (as wellas different network topologies) may be utilized consistent with theinvention. For example, the head-end architecture of FIG. 1 a (describedin greater detail below) may be used.

The data/application origination point 102 comprises any medium thatallows data and/or applications (such as a VOD-based or “Watch TV”application) to be transferred to a distribution server 104. This caninclude for example a third party data source, application vendorwebsite, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), external networkinterface, mass storage device (e.g., Redundant Arrays of InexpensiveDisks (RAID) system), etc. Such transference may be automatic, initiatedupon the occurrence of one or more specified events (such as the receiptof a request packet or acknowledgement (ACK)), performed manually, oraccomplished in any number of other modes readily recognized by those ofordinary skill.

The application distribution server 104 comprises a computer systemwhere such applications can enter the network system. Distributionservers are well known in the networking arts. In one or moreembodiments of the invention, as discussed in greater detail below,server 104 is configured to implement functionality related to VODcatalog tailoring.

The VOD server 105 comprises a computer system where on-demand contentcan be received from one or more of the aforementioned data sources 102and enter the network system. These servers may generate the contentlocally, or alternatively act as a gateway or intermediary from adistant source. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, all availableVOD content is stored on VOD server 105 (or in separate persistentstorage (not shown) readily accessible to VOD server 105).

The CPE 106 includes any equipment in the customer's or consumer'spremises (or other appropriate locations) that can be accessed by adistribution server 104 and/or VOD server 105.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a, one exemplary embodiment of a head-endarchitecture useful with the present invention is described. As shown inFIG. 1 a, the head-end architecture 150 comprises typical head-endcomponents and services including billing module 152, subscribermanagement system (SMS) and CPE configuration management module 154,cable-modem termination system (CMTS) and out-of-band (OOB) system 156,as well as local area networks (LAN(s)) 158, 160 placing the variouscomponents in data communication with one another. It will beappreciated that while a bar or bus LAN topology is illustrated, anynumber of other arrangements (e.g., ring, star, etc.) may be usedconsistent with the invention. It will also be appreciated that thehead-end configuration depicted in FIG. 1 a is a high-level, conceptualarchitecture and that each multi-service operator (MSO) may havemultiple head-ends deployed using custom architectures. Furthermore,carousel server(s) 107 are shown on LAN 158, but could be locatedelsewhere in other embodiments; for example, on LAN 160 with server(s)104. Note also that servers 104 are referred to interchangeably asapplication servers, distribution servers, or application distributionservers.

The architecture 150 of FIG. 1 a further includes amultiplexer/encrypter/modulator (MEM) 162 coupled to the HFC network 101adapted to “condition” content for transmission over the network. Theapplication distribution servers 104 are coupled to the LAN 160, whichprovides access to the MEM 162 and network 101 via one or more fileservers 170. The VOD servers 105 are coupled to the LAN 160 as well,although other architectures may be employed (such as for example wherethe VOD servers are associated with a core switching device such as an802.3z Gigabit Ethernet device). Since information is typically carriedacross multiple channels, the head-end should be adapted to acquire theinformation for the carried channels from various sources. Typically,the channels being delivered from the head-end 150 to the CPE 106(“downstream”) are multiplexed together in the head-end and sent toneighborhood hubs (see FIG. 1 b) via a variety of interposed networkcomponents.

Content (e.g., audio, video, etc.) is provided in each downstream(in-band) channel associated with the relevant service group. Tocommunicate with the head-end or intermediary node (e.g., hub server),the CPE 106 may use the out-of-band (OOB) or DOCSIS® (Data Over CableService Interface Specification) channels (registered mark of CableTelevision Laboratories, Inc., 400 Centennial Parkway Louisville Colo.80027, USA) and associated protocols. The OpenCable™ ApplicationPlatform (OCAP) 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 (and subsequent) specifications, OpenCableHost Device 2.1 (and subsequent) Core Functional Requirements, andTRU2WAY™ technology (marks of Cable Television laboratories Inc.)provide for exemplary networking protocols both downstream and upstream.Appropriate use can also be made of the Interactive ServicesArchitecture (ISA) model, which was developed to provide VOD services(for example, the MYSTRO TV product) to Time Warner Cable systems, andis known to the skilled artisan from, for example,http://www.interactiveservices.org/. Of course, the invention is in noway limited to these approaches.

It will also be recognized that multiple servers (broadcast, VOD,application, carousel, or otherwise) can be used, and disposed at two ormore different locations if desired, such as being part of differentserver “farms.” These multiple servers can be used to feed one servicegroup, or alternatively different service groups. In a simplearchitecture, a single server is used to feed one or more servicegroups. In another variant, multiple servers located at the samelocation are used to feed one or more service groups. In yet anothervariant, multiple servers disposed at different location are used tofeed one or more service groups. Note, however, that in a preferred butnon-limiting embodiment, one VOD server 105 has all the content, andunique catalogs are created for certain groups.

In some instances, material may also be obtained from a satellite feed1108; such material is demodulated and decrypted in block 1106 and fedto block 162. Conditional access system 157 may be provided for accesscontrol purposes. Network management system 1110 may provide appropriatemanagement functions. Note also that signals from MEM 162 and upstreamsignals from network 101 that have been demodulated and split in block1112 are fed to CMTS and OOB system 156.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, the network 101 of FIGS. 1 and 1 a comprises afiber/coax arrangement wherein the output of the MEM 162 of FIG. 1 a istransferred to the optical domain (such as via an optical transceiver177 at the head-end or further downstream). The optical domain signalsare then distributed to a fiber node 178, which further distributes thesignals over a distribution network 180 to a plurality of localservicing nodes 182, each in turn interconnected with a number of CPEs106. This provides an effective 1:N expansion of the network at thelocal service end.

In other embodiments of the invention, other network architectures canbe employed. By way of example and not limitation, once sucharchitecture is disclosed in US Patent Publication 2003-0056217 of PaulD. Brooks, entitled “Technique for Effectively Providing ProgramMaterial in a Cable Television System,” the complete disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes. The Brooks publication describes one exemplary broadcastswitched digital architecture. One or more embodiments of the inventionare directed to VOD rather than broadcast; however, techniques of theinvention could, in at least some cases, be offered at the same time asthe broadcast technologies disclosed in the Brooks publication.

In operation, sources of content, which may include, for example, audio,video, and associated metadata, are received by head end 150 fromcontent source 103. In the case of content that is available to berecorded for later viewing, such as via NDVR functionality, the audioand video may be stored on, or accessible to, VOD server 105, while themetadata may be employed to create one or more catalogs of storedcontent available for NDVR viewing. The catalog may reside, for example,on application server 104. In other embodiments, the catalog may betransmitted down to the CPE 106 (for example, a set-top box).

US Patent Publication 2005-0060745 of Riedl et al. discloses a systemand method for advertisement delivery within a video time shiftingarchitecture, including an NDVR control center. The complete disclosureof US Patent Publication 2005-0060745 of Riedl et al. is expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Itshould be noted that in some embodiments, the components which store thecontent and/or catalogs could be located in an NDVR control center,which might be in a head end or external therefrom, but in communicationwith one or more head ends. The skilled artisan, given the teachingsherein, will be able to implement such an approach.

Upon a request from CPE 106, a user can view the catalog on thetelevision monitor in the premises, and make a selection from thecatalog for viewing with the NDVR functionality.

In certain areas, such as major metropolitan areas, there may be anumber of different advertisement (“ad”) zones, customers with widelyranging demographics, and diverse subpopulations with differentinterests and cultures. In one or more embodiments of the invention,unique VOD catalogs are made available to certain areas or servicegroups (for example, different service nodes 182). In a preferred butnon-limiting embodiment, one VOD server 105 has all the content, butunique catalogs are created for certain areas, which are offered contentthat has been selected for the particular area. Advantageously, in suchan approach, it is not necessary to populate small subsets of contentonto different VOD servers—instead, all content can be loaded on one VODsystem (i.e., VOD server 105, functioning together with applicationserver 104, billing module 152, and SMS 154) instead of setting up anumber of different, separate, and unique VOD systems.

In at least some cases, aspects of the invention are believed to beparticularly applicable to localized sporting events, free on-demandlocal content, and the like. Previously, segmenting of VOD catalogs byarea has not been implemented; application server 104 would, in currentsystems, typically have a single catalog, the same for all subscribers.In one or more embodiments of the invention, an operator for a givenarea, such as a cable MSO and/or a local affiliate, is afforded theability to select what can be viewed; for example, by geographic area(but note that this it but one parameter on which the catalogs may besegmented), service group (for example, down to the level of HFC node182), demographic, ad zone, and the like. The skilled artisan will befamiliar with the concept of local advertising (“ad”) zones from, forexample, the aforementioned US Patent Publication 2005-0060745 of Riedlet al. Note that, by way of example and not limitation, the cable MSOmight make catalog selections if there was a desire to tailor a nationalVOD catalog, while a local affiliate might make catalog selections fortailoring local content.

The operator for the given area may be presented, for example, with auser interface for making selections, or the catalog segmentation may becarried out via automatic or semi-automatic techniques; for example, bysoftware residing on application server 104. An automatic techniquemight be based, for example, on tagging in the metadata, which mightautomatically be affiliated to a certain location. In manual orsemi-automatic techniques, there may be knowledge as to where (in terms,for example, of locality) content should be targeted, which may not bereflected in the metadata. Data that may be used for segmenting thecatalog include, but are not limited to, the internet protocol (IP)address or other Layer 2 address of the client (CPE 106); the mediaaccess control (MAC) or other Layer 3 address of the client (CPE 106);the identifier of the client's PRIZM cluster (the PRIZM marketsegmentation system from Claritas, Inc. is known to those skilled in theart); ZIP or ZIP+4 code (or other postal code in other countries);viewing history including current program being viewed, channel, time,past viewing habits; and the like. Segmenting based on service groups(e.g., nodes) is discussed elsewhere herein.

It should be noted that in some cases, the segmentation of the catalogcan be carried out at the CPE 106 (for example, a set-top box (STB));segmentation at the head end (for example, application server 104) isalso possible. If the latter case, only the catalog data for on-demandassets available at the particular STB (based on area or one or more ofthe other criteria discussed above) will be delivered to the particularSTB. On the other hand, if segmentation of the catalog is handled in theSTB, the STB would have all catalog data but would filter it, again,based on area (location of the STB) or one or more of the other criteriadiscussed above. Code for segmenting the catalog can be downloaded tothe local STB from server 104 using a number of known techniques; forexample, out-of-band or in-band.

In certain current systems, VOD catalogs are available to subscribersbased on which carousel server 107 they are connected to. Thus, thelowest level of subscriber granularity for catalog availability is atthe regional level. One or more embodiments of the invention providetechniques to make catalogs available by demographic, particular servicegroup, and the like. At least some instances of the invention will befacilitated by the gravitation of MSOs to more finely addressablenetworks. In one or more embodiments, different categories ofsubscribers within a region can be offered different VOD catalogs andcontent options. Areas with known demographics can be identified.

For example, there may be one or more particular populations known tospeak a native language other than English; members of such populationscould be offered VOD catalogs that feature content in their nativetongue. Material of interest to such ethnic enclaves may not beapplicable in other locations. In another non-limiting example, servicegroups, such as those with subscriptions for many premium services(movies and the like) can be offered more current releases on aparticular VOD catalog, because they will be more likely to spendadditional money on such content. These subscribers can be identifiedthrough the billing system 152 or through a query of the set top boxpermissions in a two way environment. Permissions may be obtained, forexample, by application server 104 from billing system 152. Typically,entitlements and so on are handled in the head end 150 (for example, byCAS 157 in conjunction with billing module 152 and SMS 154). Optionally,the application server 104 manages associating entitlements to thesegmented catalog (for example, in a case of subscription VOD where acertain entitlement may be tied to what content is available, in orderto avoid presenting a catalog with information that the subscriber doesnot have permission to view (also applicable to parental controls)). Inat least some instances, server 104 communicates with subscribermanagement system 154 and determines which subscriber has subscribed towhat content.

Aspects of the invention thus enable a regionalized VOD service,allowing for different catalogs to be available based on subscribergroups, demographics, and so on.

Thus, in one or more embodiments of the invention, multiple catalogs areconstructed on application server 104, by an operator. The catalogs arebased on demographics, geographic location, and/or other factorsdiscussed above. VOD server 105 has all the available VOD content storedon it, or directly accessible to it in a suitable asset storage.Subscribers only see a view of the VOD content on VOD server 105 that isfiltered by application server 104 based upon demographics, geographiclocation, and/or other factors discussed above. In some embodiments, theoperator will manually edit the list of content in a menu system, tocreate the multiple catalogs. For example, a catalog applicationresiding on server 104 may be configured with a graphical user interface(GUI) to facilitate editing of the catalogs by the operator.

Note that carousel server 107 may reside in the head end and essentiallyfunction as an extension of server 104. Servers 104 and 107 can beinterconnected. Carousel server 107 may be located, for example, betweenapplication server 104 and HFC network 101. Note that VOD server 105 isshown interconnected with network 101 and application server 104 isshown as interconnected with network 101 through carousel server 107;however, the servers may reside on LANs with other componentsintermediate the servers and network 101, as seen in FIG. 1 a.

Thus, in certain current techniques, application server 104 has all theVOD catalog information and it publishes all of same to the full HFCnetwork 101 that it services. In particular, application server 104publishes the VOD catalog information to the carousel 107. STB 106 canthen pick the data up off of carousel 107. In such current approaches,every CPE 106 sees the same catalog from application server 104 by wayof carousel server 107. In one or more embodiments of the invention,different CPEs 106 see different views of the VOD catalog, based ongeographic location, information pertaining to what other channels,services, and the like they subscribe to, and so on ( a number ofdifferent bases for segmentation of the VOD catalog have been discussedabove).

With reference to FIG. 2, and given the preceding discussion, it will beappreciated that, in general terms, an exemplary method 200, afterbeginning at step 202, includes the step 204 of storing a plurality ofaudiovisual assets in association with a video on demand server (i.e.,stored on the VOD server or in asset storage accessible to the VODserver). The audiovisual assets may include movies, archived programs,pre-recorded sporting events, and so on, which subscribers choose toview (as opposed to advertisements which subscribers may watchincidental to requested programming). Optional step 206, to be discussedfurther below, includes segmenting the second group of subscribers fromthe first group of subscribers. Step 208 includes preparing a firstvideo-on-demand catalog including a first group of the audiovisualassets, while step 210 includes preparing a second video-on-demandcatalog including a second group of the audiovisual assets. The secondgroup of audiovisual assets is different than the first group of theaudiovisual assets. For example, the plurality of audiovisual assetsmight include assets A, B, C, D, E, F and G. The first group ofaudiovisual assets might include, for example, assets A, C, D, and F;while the second group of audiovisual assets might include, for example,assets B, C, F, and G. Step 212 includes making the firstvideo-on-demand catalog available to a first group of subscribers, andstep 214 includes making the second video-on-demand catalog available toa second group of subscribers, different than the first group ofsubscribers. The first and second groups of subscribers may then watchone or more selections selected from their respective catalogs.Processing continues in block 216. Of course, any number of groups canbe provided with catalogs.

The separate VOD catalogs created in step 210 or in step 208 mightinclude, for example, a local sporting event of greater interest to onegroup of subscribers as compared to the other group of subscribers,and/or local on-demand content of greater interest to one group ofsubscribers as compared to the other group of subscribers.

Step 206 can be carried out in a variety of ways. For example, in somecases, segmenting includes segmenting the second group of subscribersfrom the first group of subscribers based on at least a geographic area(for example, service group such as network node) of the second group ofsubscribers. In another approach, segmenting includes segmenting thesecond group of subscribers from the first group of subscribers based onat least demographic aspects of the second group of subscribers ascompared to demographic aspects of the first group of subscribers.Non-limiting examples of demographic aspects include primary language,zip or zip plus four, PRIZM data, interests, cultural background,membership in a sub-population, and the like.

In some instances, the first group of subscribers are in a first servicegroup and the second group of subscribers are in a second service groupdifferent than the first service group. In such a case, segmenting step206 can include segmenting the second group of subscribers from thefirst group of subscribers based on at least the first and secondservice groups. The service groups may correspond to hybrid fiber cablenodes 182 (or similar network nodes in other types of networks) and thesegmenting step 206 can include segmenting the second group ofsubscribers from the first group of subscribers based on at least thefirst and second hybrid fiber cable nodes.

In some embodiments, segmenting step 206 includes segmenting the secondgroup of subscribers from the first group of subscribers based on atleast viewing habits of the second group of subscribers (for example,data regarding programs previously viewed; data regarding subscriptionsto certain services, such as premium movie channels, and the like). Insome instances, segmenting step 206 includes segmenting the second groupof subscribers from the first group of subscribers based on at leastaddresses of consumer premises equipment of the second group ofsubscribers as compared to addresses of consumer premises equipment ofthe first group of subscribers. Examples of addresses include the IPaddress or other Layer 2 address of the client (CPE 106), the MAC orother Layer 3 address of the client (CPE 106), and so on.

Another non-limiting example of segmenting includes a case where thefirst group of subscribers are in a first local advertising zone and thesecond group of subscribers are in a second local advertising zonedifferent than the first local advertising zone, where segmenting step206 can include, for example, segmenting the second group of subscribersfrom the first group of subscribers based on at least the first andsecond local advertising zones.

It will also be appreciated that, in general terms, a video contentsystem includes a video-on-demand server 105 having a plurality ofaudiovisual assets stored in association therewith. Also included is anapplication server module (for example, application server 104 coupledto carousel server 107, or an application server 104 configured tohandle the functionality, as described herein, of both components 104and 107). The video-on-demand server module and the application severmodule can be co-located in a head end 150 of the video content system,in an NDVR control center, and so on.

Also included are a first group of CPEs 106 associated with a firstgroup of subscribers and a second group of CPEs 106 associated with asecond group of subscribers, different than the first group ofsubscribers. A video content network, such as HFC network 101,interconnects the video-on-demand server and the application servermodule to the first and second groups of consumer premises equipment.The application server module, the first group of consumer premisesequipment, and the second group of consumer premises equipment can becooperatively configured to carry out one or more of the steps describedwith respect to FIG. 2. “Cooperatively configured” is intended toinclude a case where such steps are carried out by any one or more of:(i) the application server module, (ii) the first group of consumerpremises equipment, and (iii) the second group of consumer premisesequipment.

In some cases, the aforementioned segmenting is carried out by theapplication server module, which is configured to segment the secondgroup of subscribers from the first group of subscribers.

In one or more embodiments, a user interface module is included, and isassociated with the application server module. The user interface moduleis configured to facilitate an operator of the video content system toperform the segmenting. In a non-limiting example, the user interfacemodule is a software module running on application server 104, andserver 104 includes a display and one or more suitable input devices(mouse, keyboard, and the like) as discussed below with regard toexemplary system 400 of FIG. 4. An example user interface is discussedbelow with respect to FIG. 3.

In one or more instances, the video content system includes a firsthybrid fiber cable node 182 (or similar network node in another type ofnetwork) associated with the first group of consumer premises equipmentand a second hybrid fiber cable node 182 (or similar network node inanother type of network) associated with the second group of consumerpremises equipment. The application server module can be configured tosegment the second group of subscribers from the first group ofsubscribers based on the first and second hybrid fiber cable nodes.

Note that segmenting based on layer 2 or 3 addresses of the CPE may becarried out, for example, when the application server 104 does thesegmenting. Such segmenting based on layer 2 or 3 addresses of the CPEmay, in at least some embodiments, be less applicable when the CPE 106does the segmenting.

In one or more embodiments, the first group of consumer premisesequipment and the second group of consumer premises equipment arecooperatively configured to segment the second group of subscribers fromthe first group of subscribers. This may be based, for example, on atleast addresses of the first group of consumer premises equipment ascompared to addresses of the second group of consumer premisesequipment.

Note that a GUI on the application server 104 can be employed when theoperator performs the segmenting; it may even be useful in some caseswhen the when the CPE 106 performs the segmenting. As a non-limitingexample of the latter case, a default could be set up for a populationof set-top boxes, using the GUI, by creating a configuration message.

FIG. 3 depicts a non-limiting example of a GUI which can be provided onthe application server module, to allow editing of the separate VODcatalogs by the system operator. A first column 302 can be provided tolist assets available on VOD server 105. Non-limiting examples of assetsinclude a first movie 308 in English, a first classic hockey game 310, asecond movie 312 in Russian, a third movie 314 in English, and a firstclassic baseball game 316. A second column 304 can be provided tospecify which assets from column 302 are to be listed in the catalog fora first group. A third column 306 can be provided to specify whichassets from column 302 are to be listed in the catalog for a secondgroup. Of course, more columns can be provided for more groups. In thenon-limiting example of FIG. 3, all assets except the Russian-languagemovie 312 are listed in the catalog for Group 1, while only the hockeygame 310 and Russian-language movie 312 are listed in the catalog forGroup 2. The operator may, for example, click or type an “X” in thecorresponding row in a given column 304, 306 to select whether a givenasset from column 302 is to be included in that catalog.

It should be noted that, while an example has been given herein in thecontext of an HFC video content network, one or more of the followingtypes of content network are exemplary of those that can be used withone or more embodiments of the invention:

a cable television network (or other content network, for example, atelecommunications company video delivery network such as fiber to thehome (FTTH), fiber to the curb (FTTC), or digital subscriber line(DSL)),

a wireless network such as a cellular network,

a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network,

a DOCSIS® (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) network(registered mark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc., 400 CentennialParkway Louisville Colo. 80027, USA).

It should also be noted that, in one or more embodiments, the VODcatalog can be sent to the CPE in-band, out-of-band, or via DOCSIS.

System and Article of Manufacture Details

The invention can employ hardware and/or software aspects. Softwareincludes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode,etc. An exemplary embodiment of an inventive apparatus can include amemory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processorcan be operative to facilitate performance of one or more of the methodsteps described herein. In another aspect, the apparatus can includemeans for performing the various method steps. The means can include oneor more hardware modules, one or more software modules, or a mixture ofone or more software modules and one or more hardware modules(appropriate interconnections via bus, network, and the like can also beincluded). One or more method steps of the present invention can beimplemented in the form of an article of manufacture including a machinereadable medium that contains one or more programs that when executedimplement such step or steps.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system 400 that can implement part or allof one or more aspects or processes of the present invention, processor420 of which is representative of processors (such as those in elementsor blocks 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 150 (and sub-elements thereof), andelsewhere) depicted in the other figures. In one or more embodiments,inventive steps are carried out by one or more of the processors inconjunction with one or more interconnecting network(s). As shown inFIG. 4, memory 430 configures the processor 420 to implement one or moreaspects of the methods, steps, and functions disclosed herein(collectively, shown as process 480 in FIG. 4). The memory 430 could bedistributed or local and the processor 420 could be distributed orsingular. The memory 430 could be implemented as an electrical, magneticor optical memory, or any combination of these or other types of storagedevices. It should be noted that if distributed processors are employed,each distributed processor that makes up processor 420 generallycontains its own addressable memory space. It should also be noted thatsome or all of computer system 400 can be incorporated into anapplication-specific or general-use integrated circuit. For example, oneor more method steps could be implemented in hardware in an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) rather than using firmware. Display440 is representative of a variety of possible input/output devices,also including mice, keyboards, and the like.

As is known in the art, part or all of one or more aspects of themethods and apparatus discussed herein may be distributed as an articleof manufacture that itself includes a computer readable medium havingcomputer readable code means embodied thereon. The computer readableprogram code means is operable, in conjunction with a computer system,to carry out all or some of the steps to perform the methods or createthe apparatuses discussed herein. The computer readable medium may be arecordable medium (e.g., floppy disks, hard drives, compact disks,electronically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), ormemory cards) or may be a transmission medium (e.g., a network includingfiber-optics, the world-wide web, cables, or a wireless channel usingtime-division multiple access, code-division multiple access, or otherradio-frequency channel). Any medium known or developed that can storeinformation suitable for use with a computer system may be used. Thecomputer-readable code means is any mechanism for allowing a computer toread instructions and data, such as magnetic variations on a magneticmedia or height variations on the surface of a compact disk.

The computer systems and servers described herein each contain a memorythat will configure associated processors to implement the methods,steps, and functions disclosed herein. Such methods, steps, andfunctions can be carried out, e.g., by processing capability onindividual elements in the other figures, or by any combination thereof.The memories could be distributed or local and the processors could bedistributed or singular. The memories could be implemented as anelectrical, magnetic or optical memory, or any combination of these orother types of storage devices. Moreover, the term “memory” should beconstrued broadly enough to encompass any information able to be readfrom or written to an address in the addressable space accessed by anassociated processor. With this definition, information on a network isstill within a memory because the associated processor can retrieve theinformation from the network.

Thus, elements of one or more embodiments of the present invention canmake use of computer technology with appropriate instructions toimplement method steps described herein. Non-limiting examples ofcomputer languages that may be used to implement such instructionsinclude C, C+, C++, JAVA, VISUAL BASIC, ASSEMBLER, and various otherlow-level or high-level languages such as, by way of example and notlimitation, structured languages, object-oriented languages, and thelike.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of thepresent invention can include a computer program including computerprogram code means adapted to perform one or all of the steps of anymethods or claims set forth herein when such program is run on acomputer, and that such program may be embodied on a computer readablemedium. Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention caninclude a computer including code adapted to cause the computer to carryout one or more steps of methods or claims set forth herein, togetherwith one or more apparatus elements or features as depicted anddescribed herein.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention.

1. A method comprising the steps of: storing a plurality of audiovisualassets in association with a video on demand server; preparing a firstvideo-on-demand catalog comprising a first group of said audiovisualassets; preparing a second video-on-demand catalog including a secondgroup of said audiovisual assets, said second group of said audiovisualassets being different than said first group of said audiovisual assets;making said first video-on-demand catalog available to a first group ofsubscribers; and making said second video-on-demand catalog available toa second group of subscribers, different than said first group ofsubscribers.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the additionalstep of segmenting said second group of subscribers from said firstgroup of subscribers based on at least geographic area of said secondgroup of subscribers.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising theadditional step of segmenting said second group of subscribers from saidfirst group of subscribers based on at least demographic aspects of saidsecond group of subscribers as compared to demographic aspects of saidfirst group of subscribers.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said firstgroup of subscribers are in a first service group and said second groupof subscribers are in a second service group different than said firstservice group, further comprising the additional step of segmenting saidsecond group of subscribers from said first group of subscribers basedon at least said first and second service groups.
 5. The method of claim4, wherein said first service group corresponds to a first network nodeand said second service group corresponds to a second network node, andwherein said segmenting step comprises segmenting said second group ofsubscribers from said first group of subscribers based on at least saidfirst and second network nodes.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the additional step of segmenting said second group ofsubscribers from said first group of subscribers based on at leastviewing habits of said second group of subscribers.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the additional step of segmenting saidsecond group of subscribers from said first group of subscribers basedon at least addresses of consumer premises equipment of said secondgroup of subscribers as compared to addresses of consumer premisesequipment of said first group of subscribers.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein said first group of subscribers are in a first local advertisingzone and said second group of subscribers are in a second localadvertising zone different than said first local advertising zone,further comprising the additional step of segmenting said second groupof subscribers from said first group of subscribers based on at leastsaid first and second local advertising zones.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein, in said step of preparing said second video-on-demand catalogincluding said second group of said audiovisual assets, said secondgroup of audiovisual assets comprises a local sporting event of greaterinterest to said second group of subscribers than said first group ofsubscribers.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein, in said step ofpreparing said second video-on-demand catalog including said secondgroup of said audiovisual assets, said second group of audiovisualassets comprises local on-demand content of greater interest to saidsecond group of subscribers than said first group of subscribers.
 11. Avideo content system comprising: a video-on-demand server having aplurality of audiovisual assets stored in association therewith; anapplication server module; a first group of consumer premises equipmentassociated with a first group of subscribers; a second group of consumerpremises equipment associated with a second group of subscribers,different than said first group of subscribers; and a video contentnetwork interconnecting said video-on-demand server and said applicationserver module to said first and second groups of consumer premisesequipment; wherein said application server module, said first group ofconsumer premises equipment, and said second group of consumer premisesequipment are cooperatively configured to: prepare a firstvideo-on-demand catalog comprising a first group of said audiovisualassets; prepare a second video-on-demand catalog comprising a secondgroup of said audiovisual assets, said second group of said audiovisualassets being different than said first group of said audiovisual assets;make said first video-on-demand catalog available to said first group ofsubscribers; and make said second video-on-demand catalog available tosaid second group of subscribers.
 12. The video content system of claim1, wherein said application server module comprises an applicationserver and a carousel server coupled to said application server.
 13. Thevideo content system of claim 2, wherein said video-on-demand servermodule and said application sever module are co-located in a head end ofsaid video content system.
 14. The video content system of claim 13,wherein said application server module is configured to facilitatesegmenting said second group of subscribers from said first group ofsubscribers.
 15. The video content system of claim 14, furthercomprising a user interface module associated with said applicationserver module, said user interface module being configured to facilitatean operator of said video content system to perform said segmenting. 16.The video content system of claim 14, further comprising: a firstnetwork node associated with said first group of consumer premisesequipment; and a second network node associated with said second groupof consumer premises equipment; wherein said application server moduleis configured to segment said second group of subscribers from saidfirst group of subscribers based on said first and second network nodes.17. The video content system of claim 14, wherein said applicationserver module is configured to segment said second group of subscribersfrom said first group of subscribers based on at least addresses of saidfirst group of consumer premises equipment as compared to addresses ofsaid second group of consumer premises equipment.
 18. The video contentsystem of claim 13, wherein said first group of consumer premisesequipment and said second group of consumer premises equipment arecooperatively configured to facilitate segmenting said second group ofsubscribers from said first group of subscribers.
 19. The video contentsystem of claim 18, further comprising a user interface moduleassociated with said application server module, said user interfacemodule being configured to facilitate an operator of said video contentsystem to create at least a default configuration message for said firstgroup of consumer premises equipment and said second group of consumerpremises equipment.
 20. The video content system of claim 13, whereinsaid second group of audiovisual assets comprises a local sporting eventof greater interest to said second group of subscribers than said firstgroup of subscribers.
 21. The video content system of claim 13, whereinsaid second group of audiovisual assets comprises local on-demandcontent of greater interest to said second group of subscribers thansaid first group of subscribers.
 22. An apparatus comprising: means forstoring a plurality of audiovisual assets in association with a video ondemand server; means for preparing a first video-on-demand catalogcomprising a first group of said audiovisual assets; means for preparinga second video-on-demand catalog including a second group of saidaudiovisual assets, said second group of said audiovisual assets beingdifferent than said first group of said audiovisual assets; means formaking said first video-on-demand catalog available to a first group ofsubscribers; and means for making said second video-on-demand catalogavailable to a second group of subscribers, different than said firstgroup of subscribers.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprisingmeans for facilitating segmenting said second group of subscribers fromsaid first group of subscribers.
 24. An apparatus comprising: a memory;and at least one processor, coupled to said memory, and operative to:store a plurality of audiovisual assets in association with a video ondemand server; prepare a first video-on-demand catalog comprising afirst group of said audiovisual assets; prepare a second video-on-demandcatalog including a second group of said audiovisual assets, said secondgroup of said audiovisual assets being different than said first groupof said audiovisual assets; make said first video-on-demand catalogavailable to a first group of subscribers; and make said secondvideo-on-demand catalog available to a second group of subscribers,different than said first group of subscribers.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 24, wherein said at least one processor is further operative tofacilitate segmenting said second group of subscribers from said firstgroup of subscribers.